Stop Horsing Around! RxSport's Equestrian Guide

With the eventing season well underway it’s time to get up to scratch with what can keep you protected when your horse is giving you the run about!

Safety first!

With safety currently being at the forefront of all equestrian sports; we thought we’d let you know a little more about the range of glasses and sunglasses on offer to help protect your eyes and keep you looking sharp!

All lenses offered in RxSport sunglasses, Prescription and Non-Prescription alike, are made out of either Polycarbonate or Trivex. Two ultra-tough materials that are both shatterproof and impact resistant, as well as being 100% UVA and UVB protective.

Why not glass? We hear you ask… Well, if you had a bit of a tumble, an impact resistant plastic lens is going to offer you a lot more protection against damage than glass. You don’t want a lens shattering around your eyes!

It is important to find a pair that fit properly. Galloping around a cross country course is hard enough, let alone having to worry that your glasses are slipping down your nose. Look out for glasses with attributes such as adjustable nose pads, gaskets, rubber temples, and even adjustable temples.

Need some help with this? Our innovative Home Trial service for Prescription Eyewear may help aid your decision! – RxSport Home Trial

Key terms & Jargon Buster

• Hydrophilic Rubber – Hydrophilic rubber ear and nose pads increase grip in response to increased moisture. keeping grip while you perspire.
• Unobtanium – Oakley’s answer to Hydrophilic Rubber. Grip that will increase when subjected to moisture, providing all day comfort and security.
• Foam Gaskets – When out and about in the mud, you may need a bit more protection against the elements. Foam Gaskets usually sit on the inside of the frame and provide a seal around the frame for added protection.

Lens tints

Many of you may have seen the likes of Andrew Nicholson and Caroline Powell out competing in their specs and wondered why they have tinted lenses.

Well, lenses with a rose/amber tint to them helps to increase contrast, which can benefit the rider by defining undulations in the ground and enhancing colours. Somewhat helpful additions when riding in and out of changeable conditions!

Brown lenses also boost contrast, but tend to be slightly darker for better protection in brighter sunlight.

Grey lenses offer you a dark lens to help block out light and have a neutral base tint. Usually the most popular choice for someone looking for a lens that can provide all day soothing relief from the sun.

Yellow lenses reduce blue light that can blur definition, without compromising optics in low light environments. Ideal for extreme low light conditions, like a classic British Summer’s day..!

Clear lenses are great for your prescription needs if you don’t require any tints. They still offer 100% UVA and UVB protection and can also help to shield your eyes from wind and debris.

Need a hoof in the right direction? The RxSport team have suggested some frames that will offer great protection and versatility for horse riding!

Rudy Project Rydon

The super thin temples will fit comfortably under your helmet and are also adjustable for a customised fit. A vast range of lenses can be swapped in and out to suit whatever conditions life throws at you.

Versatility is the name of the game for the Rydon, with interchangeable lenses and the option for prescription in both directly glazed and insert form.

A firm favourite with us here at RxSport!

Bolle Tempest

Style and functionality in abundance. The Bolle Tempest again has a range of lens options and some great frame colour choices. Perhaps it’s greatest party piece is the option of some quality Photochromic lenses (or Modulator as Bolle like to call them) which will adapt to changeable conditions automatically, so you can focus on the more important things!

Smith Approach Max

Wrapped frame and rubber lines temples for a secure fit, it also comes with a 3-lens package so you can wear them whatever the weather.

You may be thinking by now, ‘Why are they all the same shape?!’ Well, the Halfrim style of glasses helps to boost your peripheral vision, allowing vision to remain un-obstructed!

Oakley Crosslink MNP

This Oakley ophthalmic frame is available in clear and transitions lenses and is great for a customised fit. With four interchangeable nose pads and mouldable wire core temples with Unobtainium® components for non-slip grip.

The ultimate in ‘hybrid’ ophthalmic frames; one that can be worn for a chilled evening in front of the TV to a hack through the forest, they will stand up to anything your active lifestyle can throw at them!

If you prefer something a little bit more secure, a protective goggle may be the way to go! Available in prescription and a variety of lens tints.

Rex Specs Maxx Prescription Goggles

A close-fitting frame held in place by a thin strap that will fit comfortably under your hat.

Not quite as stylish as some of the sunglasses, but the added bonus of unbeatable impact protection. Available in either Polycarbonate or Trivex, these goggles meet the ASTM F803 Standard for Sports Protective Eyewear.

From Badminton to Burghley, get out there in your sunglasses this summer. Whether you are after some prescription glasses for an event or some stylish sunnies for spectating; check out our range so you can be hot to trot this summer!